Mustang 170Z Mini Excavator with Hydraulic Breaker: Performance, Maintenance, and Best Practices

[MikePhua]

Introduction
The Mustang 170Z mini excavator is a compact and versatile machine that excels in tight workspaces, offering excellent performance for a range of applications, including digging, grading, and demolition tasks. When paired with a hydraulic breaker, the 170Z can tackle more demanding jobs, such as breaking concrete, rock, and asphalt, making it an essential tool in construction and excavation projects.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the Mustang 170Z mini excavator, its capabilities when equipped with a hydraulic breaker, and provide insights into optimizing performance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Overview of the Mustang 170Z Mini Excavator
The Mustang 170Z is part of a well-regarded line of mini excavators known for their maneuverability, reliability, and powerful performance despite their compact size. Here are some key features that make the 170Z stand out:

1. Engine Power: The Mustang 170Z is equipped with a robust engine that provides ample power for its size, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The engine typically produces around 47.6 horsepower (35.5 kW), making it capable of handling medium-duty tasks while remaining efficient.
   
2. Operating Weight: The operating weight of the Mustang 170Z is around 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg), allowing for excellent stability on rough terrain while still being light enough for transport between job sites.
   
3. Digging Depth and Reach: The machine has an impressive digging depth of approximately 12 feet (3.7 meters), with a maximum reach of around 19 feet (5.8 meters). This makes the Mustang 170Z suitable for a wide range of tasks, from trenching to lifting and placing materials.
   
4. Compact Size: One of the standout features of the Mustang 170Z is its size. With a width of just over 5.5 feet (1.7 meters), it can easily maneuver in confined spaces, such as urban construction sites or narrow residential areas.
   

Adding a Hydraulic Breaker
The addition of a hydraulic breaker to the Mustang 170Z enhances its demolition capabilities, making it ideal for breaking up concrete, rock, or asphalt. Hydraulic breakers are attachments that utilize the excavator’s hydraulic system to deliver high-impact force, breaking through tough materials with precision and efficiency.

1. Compatibility: The Mustang 170Z is designed to accommodate a range of hydraulic breakers, typically in the 1,000- to 2,000-ft-lb class, which is ideal for medium-duty demolition tasks. When selecting a hydraulic breaker, it's essential to match the attachment's size and force rating with the excavator's hydraulic system to avoid overloading.
   
2. Performance and Efficiency: The hydraulic breaker’s efficiency depends on the excavator’s hydraulic flow and pressure settings. The Mustang 170Z’s hydraulic system is capable of providing the necessary power to drive most standard breakers, allowing the operator to break through even dense concrete or rock.
   
3. Versatility in Demolition: A key benefit of using the Mustang 170Z with a hydraulic breaker is its ability to work in confined or limited-access areas. With its compact design and powerful breakout force, the combination of this mini excavator and breaker can be used for everything from breaking up old foundations and roadways to demolition work in tight spots where larger machines cannot reach.
   

Hydraulic System and Breaker Maintenance
Maintaining the hydraulic system and the breaker attachment is crucial for maximizing the performance and lifespan of both components. Here are some key maintenance practices for the Mustang 170Z with a hydraulic breaker:

1. Hydraulic Fluid Levels: Always check the hydraulic fluid levels regularly. Low hydraulic fluid can cause the system to overheat or malfunction, which may result in slow or erratic operation. Top off fluid as necessary using the recommended fluid type for the machine.
   
2. Hydraulic Pressure: The Mustang 170Z hydraulic system needs to operate within optimal pressure ranges to ensure that attachments like the hydraulic breaker work efficiently. Excessive or insufficient pressure can affect the breaker’s performance and lead to damage. Operators should ensure that the machine’s hydraulic pressure is within the recommended specifications, especially when using heavy-duty attachments.
   
3. Breaker Maintenance: Regularly inspect the hydraulic breaker for wear and tear. The moil point (the steel tip of the breaker) should be checked for cracks or excessive wear. If the tip becomes dull or damaged, it should be replaced to maintain efficiency. Additionally, check the breaker for signs of oil leaks or contamination that could impact its performance.
   
4. Filter and Screen Cleaning: The hydraulic system relies on clean fluid to function properly. Make sure the hydraulic filters and screens are cleaned or replaced at regular intervals to prevent clogging and to ensure that contaminants do not enter the hydraulic system.
   

Optimizing Excavator and Breaker Performance
To ensure maximum performance and efficiency, operators should follow some best practices when using the Mustang 170Z with a hydraulic breaker:

1. Proper Use of Breaker: When operating the hydraulic breaker, avoid using excessive force. Let the tool work at its own pace by allowing it to deliver repeated impacts rather than trying to force the material to break. Applying too much pressure can cause unnecessary wear on both the breaker and the excavator's hydraulic components.
   
2. Break in the Attachment: When using a new hydraulic breaker, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended break-in procedure. This typically involves using the breaker at lower pressure and gradually increasing intensity over time.
   
3. Control the Impact Rate: Ensure the breaker is operated within the manufacturer’s suggested impact rate range. Too high of a rate can lead to excessive wear and premature failure, while too low can reduce effectiveness.
   
4. Soil and Material Conditions: Assess the material you are breaking before starting. For instance, harder materials like granite or reinforced concrete may require more time and energy to break, while softer materials like asphalt can be broken more efficiently.
   

Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite regular maintenance and proper usage, some common issues may arise with the Mustang 170Z and hydraulic breaker. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Breaker Stops Working: If the breaker suddenly stops working, it could be due to a hydraulic fluid issue, such as low fluid levels or air in the hydraulic lines. Check the fluid levels and ensure there are no leaks in the system.
   
2. Slow Breaker Operation: Slow operation of the hydraulic breaker can result from low hydraulic pressure or clogged filters. Check the hydraulic pressure settings and clean the filters to restore performance.
   
3. Excessive Vibration or Noise: If the breaker is producing excessive vibration or noise, it may be a sign of a worn-out moil point or issues with the breaker’s internal components. Inspect the moil point and replace it if necessary.
   
4. Oil Leaks: Oil leaks around the breaker or excavator’s hydraulic lines can indicate worn seals or loose fittings. Inspect all hydraulic connections and replace seals as needed.
   

Conclusion
The Mustang 170Z mini excavator, when equipped with a hydraulic breaker, becomes a powerful tool for medium-duty demolition and excavation tasks. With its compact size, high performance, and versatility, the 170Z is well-suited for jobs where space is limited but power is still needed. By maintaining proper hydraulic fluid levels, ensuring regular inspections, and following best practices for using the hydraulic breaker, operators can ensure a longer lifespan and optimal performance for both the excavator and its attachments.
Whether you're breaking up concrete, rock, or asphalt, the combination of the Mustang 170Z and a hydraulic breaker offers a robust solution to tackle demanding projects in confined spaces. With proper care and attention, this powerful mini excavator can deliver reliable performance for years to come.